Maties Rugby announced that it will participate in the First National Bank (FNB) Varsity Cup, which will begin on 4 April in a Pretoria bio-bubble.
An empty Danie Craven Stadium that will host no games and see no fans. PHOTO: James Cameron Heron
“It takes place in Pretoria, so the Varsity Cup is going ahead. It’s a shame the students will miss it. They are going to have to watch on television or online, but no spectators,” said Drikus Hancke, head coach of Maties Rugby, in a statement on 10 March.
Due to Covid-19 regulations, the tournament will be hosted inside a bio-bubble at the FNB Varsity Cup Village in Pretoria. The village will provide a secure environment in which participants in the tournament can prevent the spread of Covid-19. The 2021 season will consist of three separate bubbles, according to the Varsity Cup website. Each bubble will host three games over ten days, with two weeks between bubbles.
“It’s a whole new setup. You have to switch your mind to that change happening because if you can’t change or adapt to the system, then the system is going to rule you. You should rule the system,” said Willem Liebenberg, a Maties Rugby forward.
INFOGRAPHIC: James Cameron Heron
Maties Rugby staff and players were unsure about whether the Varsity Cup would take place, but they have been motivated by the release of an official date for the competition, according to Liebenberg.
“We are still defending champions, but we are not going to go in as champions. We are going to go in as hungry wolves and become champions again,” said Liebenberg.
Some fans have expressed disappointment over the changes to the Varsity Cup. “We’ll still be supporting when it’s televised, but it’s not going to be the same. It’s a difficult emotion to feel,” said Cole Kruger, a third-year BCom (Management Science) student who usually attended live matches.